New York | Another Hidden Gem for Delicious Italian Cuisine 🌟

🦑Between Santi and Portale—two lesser-known Italian restaurants that are easy to book even on weekends—I chose the latter. Just like the unanimous positive reviews on social media (with the most negative ones only saying “average”), my experience was truly beyond expectations! ✨ 🗼🌿They don’t offer free bread, so I ordered the Focaccia, which was a delightful surprise! 🥪 As someone who usually doesn’t go for olives, I was won over by the salty, fragrant, slightly warm, and soft texture. The accompanying whipped ricotta was smooth and creamy, and I’d recommend asking for some vinegar to enhance the flavor. 🦑 The Tuna Tartare was solid, but the Grilled Octopus really stood out. The cooking was spot-on—tender yet still chewy, and it went perfectly with the garlicky aioli. 🦑 🗼🌿 I had trouble deciding on the pasta, so I went with the recommendation: Risotto: This unassuming green risotto ended up being the No. 1 choice in our group vote. The rich shrimp flavor and the porridge-like, creamy texture were a match made in heaven! 🍛 #NewYork #ItalianCuisine #HiddenGems 🗼🌿